"John?" Samie called, poking her head into her neighbors' flat
"Yeah?" John looked up from his laptop. Samie stepped fully into the flat, holding up an empty corn starch container. "I'll go see if we have some." he set his computer to the side and began to ruffle through the cabinets. "Ah, here we go." John pulled the yellow container down. "Huh?" he shook it, then removed the top. "Sorry, Samie! We're out, too!"
"That's ok. I've been needing to run down to the store for a while. Need anything while I'm out?" she asked.
"No, but when you come back, we should consult Sherlock on the 'Case of the Missing Corn Starch'." he replied. Samie chuckled and began her decent down the stairs.
Samie grunted, shifting the overflowing bag in her arms. She hadn't planned on getting so much stuff, but when she found the corn starch, it reminded her that she needed flour, then eggs, then cereal and soon she had a basket full of things she had put off buying for the past month. Then the cashier had the audacity to ask her if she wanted a bag for her items! Closing her eyes in thought, she turned the corner.
"Oomph!" Samie's breath was knocked out of her as the bag was smashed into her stomach. Then the paper bag fell, spilling it's contents.
"I am so sorry!" a man apologized, immediately reaching down and placing the items back into the sack. Samie bent on her knee and helped.
"It's really not your fault. I wasn't looking where I was going." she mumbled, trying desperately not to look him in the face. Finally, everything was back in it's place and luckily the eggs were not injured. Samie hoisted the bag up and was about to begin walking again when the man spoke.
"Do you need help? I can carry that for you." he motioned to the bag that was already causing pains in Samie's arms and back.
"Er..." she hesitated. "Yeah, thanks." she allowed him to take the bag into his arms. Once he had gotten a firm hold on it, they were walking side by side. Samie glanced at the man from the corner of her eye. He was an average height, but still towered over her by a foot or so. His wavy hair seemed black a first glance, but under closer inspection was a very dark brown. He also had unkempt stubble on his face, though it was more fitting on his than it may be on anyone else Samie knew. She could not see the color of his eyes from the direction she was facing, but she had the feeling that they would be very striking. This man's entire demeanor seemed to be as such.
"Where is it that we're going?" he turned his head to face her, tilting it slightly. Samie felt her cheeks heat up. His facial structure was unlike that of her usual companions. His was not round like John's or pointed and angular like Sherlock's, but a blend of both. His cheek bones were not as defined, but you could tell they were there. And his chin came to a blunt point.
"Uh..." Samie's gaze wandered across his features, finally falling upon his almond shaped eyes. They were unlike any brown eyes she'd ever seen. His facial expression changed from neutral to inquisitive. "Huh?" Samie blinked her eyes, looking for an excuse .
"Your destination?" he smiled kindly.
"Oh! 221 Baker Street, I have a flat there." she replied, silently cursing herself for being distracted.
"Great, then this way, yeah?" he tipped his head to the right. Samie nodded and followed his lead. "Name's Wesley." he chuckled after a few seconds had passed. He looked to Samie, who had not uttered much of anything.
"Samie." she mumbled, playing with the sleeves of her sweater nervously. Poor Wesley had a hard time trying not to grin like an idiot for the rest of the time.
"Here we are." Wesley said, halting. Samie opened the door for him, as his hand were occupied, but she felt like nevertheless he wanted to hold it open for her. He nodded in thanks and she lead him up the staircase to her flat. She fumbled with her keys momentarily, then unlocked the door.
"Sorry to have put you through so much trouble." she sighed, setting her coat on the rack. Wesley laughed, setting the groceries on the counter. His laugh sent chills down Samie's spine.
"Nonsense! I was just going for a walk around the block, then back home. If anything, you made my day better by giving me something to do." Wesley again tried to conceal his grin. Samie laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of her neck. They stood there in silence, red faced and internally grimacing at the social awkwardness that hung heavily in the air.
"You want to stay for a cup of coffee? I've got tea, too." Samie finally spoke, moving to the sink to fill the kettle. "Cause you know, we're in Britain and I'm British and you're hot." she chuckled. She slapped her hands over her mouth in embarrassment. "I-I-I mean it's hot! The tea! And it's cold outside!" she set the kettle on the stove, and stared at the floor.
"I'd love some tea." Wesley mumbled. Samie let out a sigh and continued preparing the tea. "I could help... If you'd like." Wesley brought down the sugar that she had been trying to get from a high shelf.
"Thank you." she smiled, setting the sugar on the table. They put the groceries in their rightful places, then sat in the living room with their tea. They sat and talked for a full hour when Samie shivered. The flat had gotten colder. It was indeed the brink of winter, and in London it's dangerous not to have heating on.
"Looks like it's finally time to use that fire place, then." Samie said, kneeling under the mantle. She lit the fire and with assistance from Wesley, the flat was warm and cozy. "Oh, I didn't know it was so late!" Samie exclaimed, having glimpsed the time and now was looking at the darkened sky outside of the window.
"Should I leave?" Wesley looked from the window to the woman, who was curled up in a blanket, in front of him. She bit the inside of her lip in thought.
"You don't have to if you don't want to. Besides, I haven't got anything to do tomorrow. Just as long as I'm not keeping you from anything, it's alright with me." she decided.
"I don't want to overstay my welcome." Wesley hesitated. Samie took the teapot back to the kitchen to refill it.
"You're welcome to stay as long as you like! You showed me a kindness today and I intend to return it." she placed the kettle on the stove once more.
"Don't return it too soon. I'm hoping to see you again after today." he smiled as he looked down at his cup. Samie grinned at the wall, thankful her guest could not see it. She was sure she seemed goofy.
"Here you are, Wesley." she set the hot tea on the table.
"Wes is fine." he corrected, preparing himself another cup.
"Alright... Wes." Samie tried the new name for her companion and took a long drink of tea. She hoped to see him again, too.